Fierce mentality sends Rebecca Weissmann to state finals

Two more straight-set victories has Loveland freshman playing for 5A championship Saturday at Gates Tennis Center

By Sean Star Sports Writer

Posted:
05/10/2013 07:55:37 PM MDT

Loveland High School No. 1 singles player Rebecca Weissmann advanced to the Class 5A state final with a pair of straight-set victories on Friday at Gates Tennis Center. (Lewis Geyer/Times-Call)

DENVER -- All it takes is watching one extended rally to know that Rebecca Weissmann is equipped with just about every shot in tennis. That's a big reason why the Loveland High School freshman has advanced all the way to the Class 5A No. 1 singles state championship final Saturday at Gates Tennis Center.

But there's more to her game than just an impressive array of wicked backhands and finesse lob shots, this according to Fairview senior Katie Kuosman, who Weissmann beat 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals on Friday.

"She is definitely one of the best players I've played against, and I think the best thing going for her is her mentality," said Kuosman, a state tournament veteran. "She comes strong every single match, every single point she's fighting for. She's just a great competitor, as well as having all the shots in the game."

And it's not just that Weissmann has all the shots. She also has the ability to combine them in a way that not many can.

"She knows two shots ahead of time what she wants to do," said LHS coach John Manuszak. "If she hits it deep to the corner, then she knows she's going to come in and what the next ball probably will be back to her. Having that thinking part of her game that is so far advanced is a big advantage that she has over a lot of these girls that she plays."

Weissmann will look to bring that relentless mentality and chess match-approach Saturday against Pine Creek sophomore Nicole Kalehorn, who rallied to beat Arapahoe's Tate Schroeder in the other semifinal, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.

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Weissmann and Kalehorn are actually close friends off the court. But the LHS freshman doesn't think that bond will get in the way of her pursuit to join sister Jennifer as the only state champions in school history.

"I think when you're on the court you've just got to focus on yourself and focus on winning, trying to win and do your best." Weissmann said. "But off the court we can be really good friends."

Loveland High School's Rebecca Weissmann is looking to join her sister, Jennifer, as the only state tennis champions in school history.
(LEWIS GEYER)

Weissmann is looking to cap her prep season not just with a title but with a perfect record, one that was extended again Friday without dropping a set.

She began the day by beating Legend's Madison Porter in the quarterfinals, 6-2, 6-2. Porter came out with plenty of fire, chasing down nearly everything thrown her way take a 2-1 lead in the first set. But as soon as it looked like an epic match might be in store, Weissmann took control by winning five straight games to win the first set, grabbing momentum that carried her through the second set and into the semifinals.

In a rematch of their Front Range League final, Weissmann again emerged with a straight set victory over Kuosman. Only this time it was at center court in front of a crowd. Weissmann admitted to feeling a little nervous early, but she soon thrived on the big stage.

"I mean there's always some butterflies. But after I get used to the player, I start hitting a lot better," she said. "There's definitely a lot of people here, and I just love performing in front of them."

Though she's yet to lose more than two games in a single set so far in the tournament, Weissmann said she planned on working on her return game in preparation for Saturday's final. Combine that with her play at the net and an effective serve, and Manuszak feels she's right where she needs to be.

"I know she feels like she has some stuff that she needs to work on from today. But to be able to have those results in a quarterfinal and semifinal at state, I think she's got to feel pretty good about that," he said. "I'd say she has some momentum going into the final now."

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